European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen was joined by Russia’s Minister for Sport Vitaly Mutko on the second day of the Cheboksary 2015 European Athletics Team Championships.
Mutko cheered on the Russian team as they claimed victory on home soil.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Mr. Mutko today to discuss the future of our sport in Russia and Europe, and the important role his nation will play,” said President Hansen.
“I said how pleased we are that the nation of Russia has continued to show its commitment to hosting athletics events after the excellent 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow.
“I also expressed my congratulations and thanks to those responsible for making the Chuvash Republic a special region committed to sport and athletics.
“I was also very happy to personally say thank you to Mr. Mutko because I received a kind letter from the Minister on my appointment as President of European Athletics. He was one of the very first to send me a letter of congratulations. That was a very important and special gesture I very much appreciate.”